Reykjavik: Private Brewery & Beer Tasting Tour

This Reykjavik brewery tour offers a fascinating look into Iceland’s burgeoning craft beer scene, combining visits to two microbreweries with tastings and insights into local brewing traditions. It’s an excellent choice for those curious about Icelandic culture, especially if you enjoy good beer and want a personalized experience away from crowded group tours.

What really makes this tour stand out are the knowledgeable guides, the chance to try a variety of beers right at the source, and the insight into how Iceland’s climate impacts brewing. You’ll also appreciate the comfortable transfer between stops with a friendly local driver.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour is entirely alcohol-focused, so if you’re not of legal drinking age or prefer non-alcoholic activities, this might not be your best fit. Also, food isn’t included, so you might want to grab a bite before or after to complement your beer tasting.

This experience suits beer lovers, curious travelers, and those wanting a relaxed, personalized glimpse into Reykjavik’s craft scene. It’s ideal for anyone wanting to learn, taste, and enjoy in a private setting.

Good To Know

• Personalized Experience: The private tour ensures a tailored and relaxed atmosphere.
• Educational Focus: Learn about Iceland’s brewing process and ingredients.
• Sampling Variety: Taste beers at two different microbreweries in Reykjavik.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off included with a friendly driver guide.
• Duration & Flexibility: 3.5 hours, with flexible starting times.
• Age Restriction: Participants must be at least 20 to legally consume alcohol.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Reykjavik Beer Tour

What the Tour Covers

This 3.5-hour private experience begins with pick-up at your Reykjavik accommodation, making it easy and stress-free. Your driver guide, who is also a local, will provide a friendly, informative narration and background as you head to the first brewery. The tour is designed for small groups, ensuring a more personal experience and the chance to ask plenty of questions.

You visit two microbreweries—Malbygg Microbrewery and RVK Brewing—each offering a different perspective on Iceland’s craft beer scene. At both, you’ll learn about their brewing processes, the history of microbrewing in Iceland, and the particular challenges faced by brewers in an environment with a harsh climate.

Visiting the Microbreweries

Malbygg Microbrewery is known for its innovative approach and focus on local ingredients. Here, you’ll be greeted by staff eager to share their beer-making secrets, and you’ll see firsthand how they craft their beers. Guests have noted that the guide’s insights make a real difference, helping them understand what makes Icelandic beer unique.

RVK Brewing offers a broader selection of beers, with a taproom where you can sample different styles. Reviewers have highlighted that you get to taste some of the best beers produced on-site, which often include unique Icelandic ingredients like locally grown herbs or special water sources. Sampling directly from the taproom allows you to compare the styles and appreciate their brewing craftsmanship.

Learning About Icelandic Brewing Challenges

What’s particularly interesting about this tour is the focus on Iceland’s climate and how it influences brewing. Iceland’s cold temperatures, limited agricultural land, and reliance on imported ingredients create unique hurdles for brewers. Guides often share stories about sourcing local ingredients and adapting brewing techniques to Icelandic conditions, which adds an enriching layer to the tasting experience.

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Tasting and Sampling

You’ll sample several beers at each brewery, gaining exposure to different styles and flavors. Reviewers mention that the guides are very knowledgeable, often explaining the flavor profiles and ingredients used. One guest appreciated the chance to “try a variety of beers at both breweries and learn about their differences,” which makes the experience both educational and enjoyable.

The taproom at RVK Brewing allows you to taste a range of beers from each place, offering plenty of opportunities to find new favorites. Plus, the relaxed setting makes it easy to savor each sip and discuss the flavors with your guide or fellow travelers.

The Transport and Overall Comfort

Transportation is smooth and hassle-free, with a comfortable vehicle that makes the journey between locations pleasant. The driver guide is praised for their friendliness and knowledge, providing interesting local tidbits along the way. Guests have noted that the pickup and drop-off service saves time and avoids the hassle of figuring out public transportation or taxis.

Additional Considerations

While the tour is rich in beer education and tasting, it’s strictly alcohol-focused, and no food is included. This means you’ll want to plan to eat before or after or bring snacks along if you’re sensitive to alcohol. Also, since you must be at least 20 years old, it’s not suitable for younger travelers or pregnant women.

Cost-wise, at $447 per person, it might seem pricey, but considering the private nature, the personalized experience, and multiple tastings at two breweries, many guests find it offers good value—especially if you’re a beer enthusiast or looking for something different from typical sightseeing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private brewery tour appeals most to beer aficionados who want to deepen their understanding of Icelandic brewing and taste a variety of local beers. It’s also perfect for small groups or couples seeking a relaxed, tailored experience with a knowledgeable guide. If you’re looking for an engaging, behind-the-scenes look at Reykjavik’s craft beer scene, this tour delivers.

On the other hand, those who are not interested in alcohol or need a more active sightseeing itinerary may prefer other types of tours. It’s also worth noting that the tour doesn’t include food, so plan accordingly if you want a full meal to accompany your tastings.

Final Thoughts

In terms of value and experience, this Reykjavik brewery tour offers a well-rounded package of education, taste, and local culture. The personalized nature of a private experience ensures you get attention and insights tailored to your interests, making it more engaging than a standard group tour.

The focus on local ingredients and Iceland’s brewing challenges adds an authentic flavor to the tasting experience, elevating it beyond just drinking beers. With friendly guides, comfortable transport, and a chance to try some of the best microbrews in Reykjavik, this tour is a great investment for anyone interested in Iceland’s craft beer scene.

While it’s not a cheap activity, the combination of private service, expert guidance, and quality tastings makes it worthwhile, especially if beer discovery ranks high on your Iceland itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or pregnant women?
No, participants must be at least 20 years old to legally consume alcohol, so it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those who prefer non-alcoholic activities.

Are food and snacks included?
No, food is not included in the tour, so you might want to eat beforehand or plan to grab a bite afterward.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3.5 hours, with flexible starting times depending on availability.

What’s the transportation like?
Transportation is provided in a comfortable vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off included for maximum convenience.

Can I book the tour and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now without payment, and pay later—this helps keep your plans flexible.

Are guides available in different languages?
Yes, the tour offers guides fluent in English, German, and Spanish.

Is this experience private?
Absolutely, the tour is designed for private groups, ensuring a personalized experience.

This Reykjavik private brewery tour presents a fantastic way to combine local culture, education, and tastings in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a beer lover or just looking for something unique to do in Iceland’s capital, this experience is sure to leave you with a greater appreciation for Icelandic craftsmanship—and maybe a new favorite brew.

You can check if your dates are available here: